[Recommendations for good clinical practice in the management of delirium and associated behavioural crisis].

Abstract

It is essential not to overlook the presence of an acute confusional syndrome (delirium) and to promptly determine and treat its cause(s). Any abrupt change in wakefulness, alertness, cognitive functioning, language, mood or behaviour should be considered as a potential sign of delirium and should be confirmed for. Identifying the cause(s) of the delirium is based on a probabilistic approach, taking into account the recent clinical context and the patient's profile. Management of confusion, with or without medication, must include treatment of associated behavioural symptoms and prevention of complications. Finally, all elderly patients with no history of dementia who have experienced delirium should benefit from cognitive and functional follow-up after the acute event.